Estate with a pedigree

Rainham, a historic estate just south of Bathurst in the central west of NSW, is for sale for the first time in more than 150 years with a price tag of $500,000-plus.

The agent, John Fagan of Raine & Horne Bathurst, said the 31-hectare property would appeal to renovators, tree-changers and history buffs as well as having commercial potential.

The home was built in 1832 by Captain Thomas Raine, whose son co-founded Raine & Horne, but has been held by the Boyd and Richardson families for five generations.

Raine & Horne chairman Max Raine said the home was a fine example of Georgian architecture sitting on prime farm land with views towards Queen Charlotte Vale Creek and the Blue Mountains.

“Horse lovers will appreciate the old stables building with its cobblestone floor and the property even boasts a well-preserved wing that once served as convict accommodation," he said.

(Captain Raine also gave his name to a coral quay north of Cairns now known for its green turtles.)

Mr Fagan said the Bathurst home had potential to be a viable restaurant or even a bed and breakfast and would probably appeal to a renovator or business keen to preserve a special piece of Australian history.

He noted that buyers would find that Bathurst had all the comforts of a big city but in an idyllic regional setting. “It is a booming regional city with great schools, a university, affordable housing and robust employment and industry," he said.